CHICAGO _ Ben Zobrist has been gone for four weeks, but Cubs President Theo Epstein said his valuable switch-hitting infielder has remained in contact.
"I've been in touch with him," Epstein said Wednesday night. "He's been communicative with us. We have an understanding with him. Our thoughts are with him, his family and his situation. That's all for now."
Zobrist, 38, was placed on the restricted list on May 8. Five days later, Zobrist filed for legal separation in Williamson County, Tenn., where he resides in the offseason. Zobrist's filing stated his wife, Juliana, "has been guilty of inappropriate marital conduct which render further cohabitation impossible," according to the Tennessean.
"Husband is unsure if the marriage can be salvaged," the filing further stated.
Julianna Zobrist filed on the same day in Cook County and hired attorney Karen Krehbiel, who represented Chicago billionaire hedge fund CEO Kenneth Griffin in his divorce from Anne Dias Griffin in 2015.
The Cubs admit they miss Zobrist, who delivered the game-winning hit in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, because of his leadership and production. But they've gradually proceeded as if he might not rejoin them.
And Epstein was careful not to speak on his behalf.
"I've offered him support and stayed in good contact with him," Epstein said. "It would be most appropriate and fair. If we get to a point where there are any updates, they have to come from him."
Epstein didn't believe Zobrist owed the fans an explanation.
"He's been in great touch,' Epstein said. "I don't feel he owes us anything.
"People's families and personal lives come first, and that's the rule we run our organization by. He's been in touch with me, and at some point he plans on being in touch with his teammates.
"How much he communicates with you guys or with the fans, that's a personal decision. It's up to him."
